What are archival storage materials?
Archival storage materials refer to those materials used for packaging and storage that are permanent, durable, and chemically stable and that can safely be used for preservation purposes. Examples of archival materials include acid-free folders and tissue paper that contain no alum-rosin sizing or lignin. Archival plastic bags are those that do not contain chloride or volatile plasticizers. Many of the materials sold by archival supply stores have been subjected to a number of tests to determine their long-term stability, or are manufactured to strict standards. However, not every material sold by archival supply stores is necessarily ideal for the storage of archaeological materials, so it is important to know exactly what something is made of. Suppliers should be able to answer questions about the properties of their products, so do ask if there is any doubt. Additionally, any supplies coming from an archival supply store should have been stored in a clean environment prior to shipp
